Warning: Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance… or should it be?

I was listening to an ad on the radio this week and at the end the advertiser read the following disclaimer: “past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance”. The government (ASIC) requires businesses to state this disclaimer whenever past investment returns are quoted, so that investors are forewarned that history might not …

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Home loan interest rate discounts – an idiot's guide

This short blog will provide you with the tools and knowledge to negotiate the best interest rate discount on your mortgage/s. The banks leave themselves open to price competition Much has been written lately about whether the banks will be able to maintain their enormous profits (and dividends) in a low interest rate environment. The …

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Super might be a boring topic but making some smart decisions now could boost your retirement balance by over 20%!

I realise that most people in their 20’s and 30’s pay very little attention to their superannuation because they cannot access it for 30 to 40 years – or possibly longer. In fact, it’s likely that the government will push out the retirement age (i.e. when you can access super) to match the aged pension …

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Federal Budget 2016/17 Overview

Below I have set out a summary of the personal tax and superannuation changes announced in the budget on 3 May 2016. In summary, the tax benefits associated with contributing into super for higher income earners (i.e. > $250,000 p.a.) are proposed to be scaled back. Whilst it is still largely beneficial to contribute the …

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